Jacksonville, FL – Two weeks ago, I shared the incredible news that I am seeking to become the next owner of the Jacksonville Armada FC. Since we made that announcement, I’ve heard from many in the Jacksonville community about how excited they are to see our vision for the team come to life. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been continuing to work through the due diligence process with MLS NEXT Pro in the hopes of becoming the new owner of the Armada.

To that end, today I am proud to announce that we have reached a preliminary agreement with Jacksonville’s own Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports investment and management groups, to serve as the club’s official Operating Partner in the event I am able to lead the Armada into a new era of local ownership and professional growth.

Zawyer Sports, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, now owns and/or operates 13 professional sports teams, including the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres) and the Jacksonville Waves, a new professional women’s basketball team set to debut at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena this coming May. The company also manages a growing portfolio of sports and entertainment ventures spanning multiple leagues and cities across North America.

In Jacksonville, the Icemen have become a cornerstone of the city’s sports landscape under Zawyer Sports leadership, ranking #1 in the ECHL in attendance for three consecutive years, including more than 20,000 fans during this season’s opening weekend. Zawyer’s success has been built on strong community partnerships, fan engagement, and a deep commitment to local business collaboration.

As the Armada’s Operating Partner, Zawyer Sports would take the lead on ticket sales and operations, marketing support, customer service, corporate partnership sales, game day operations, and stadium facility management for the club’s new downtown soccer-specific stadium, which is expected to go vertical in the coming months. Zawyer’s reach extends across the country, with a portfolio that includes ECHL teams such as the Jacksonville Icemen, Savannah Ghost Pirates, and Greensboro Gargoyles, as well as the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. The company also operates UPSHOT Women’s Basketball League teams, including the Jacksonville Waves, Savannah Steel, Charlotte Crown, and Greensboro Groove (with UPSHOT League headquarters based in Jacksonville), along with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, and more.

Jacksonville means everything to Zawyer Sports CEO Andy Kaufmann. This is his home, and he takes tremendous pride in helping elevate our city through sports and community. Andy and I have gotten to know each other well over the years through my support of the Icemen. Andy and I share a belief that Jacksonville is one of the best sports cities in America and by combining one of the nation’s best sports operators with our proposed brand-new downtown stadium, I believe we are setting the stage for something truly special. Zawyer has shown what can happen when you blend local passion with professional execution and this partnership marks another major step toward building a sustainable, community-driven future for the Armada. With Zawyer Sports as Operating Partner and our team steering the club’s ownership, I believe the Armada will be positioned for rapid growth ahead of the club’s entry into MLS NEXT Pro in 2027.

It is our hope that this partnership underscores the club’s ongoing commitment to local leadership, ensuring that Jacksonville remains a model for community-driven soccer in the United States.

I will continue to keep you apprised of developments. I am truly excited about what’s to come for the Armada fanbase, the community and all our partners.

-Chris Campione, Campione Law